In South Africa, the impact of teenage suicide is felt in homes, classrooms, and communities. It’s a loss that is felt by all those who knew the young soul and even by those who didn’t. And it is a loss that stays with us long after the incident.
A certain group is even more affected by this tragedy—teenagers. When faced with the painful loss of their closest friend or even a distant classmate, the aftereffect on teenage mental health can be drastic.
The negative impact of teenage suicide on an individual, in this case, teenagers, is a weight that never truly goes away, and if not addressed can lead to another loss.
This article explores the deep impact of teenage suicide on peers, families, and society. We hope that as we dive into this issue, you receive more insight and spread that awareness to those around you.
What Is the Impact of Teenage Suicide?
Teenage suicide is an unfortunate situation that has robbed many families of their young loved ones. The impact of teenage suicide spreads beyond the family unit to neighbours, classmates, teachers, and the community at large, often leaving each person wondering “Why didn’t we see this coming?”
The weight of unanswered questions coupled with emotions like grief, shock and confusion adds to the lasting negative impact of teenage suicide. Friends, classmates, and other peers are also left with a psychological toll. This can involve feelings of survivor’s guilt, emotional trauma, and possible post-traumatic stress.
Other social impacts of teenage suicide include heightened anxiety, risk of depression, and suicidal ideation. It’s sad to note that teenage suicide can have a bit of a domino effect, with friends and family members who cannot handle the loss taking their own lives in a desperate search for peace away from pain.
This speaks to the importance of discussion on teenage suicide and its impact on society. Mental health awareness is important because education is the first step to prevention. Creating spaces for open communication provides a channel for the bereaved to share their struggles and receive the support they need.
The Social Impact of Teenage Suicide on Teenagers
The impact of teenage suicide, emotional and social, is seen in how it can fracture friendships and fuel social anxiety in teenagers. A friend group losing a member to teenage suicide throws the group into disarray. These are some of the things every parent and teacher should know about teenage suicide.
The negative impacts of teenage suicide in social settings include isolation, shame, and stigma. There’s also the risk of how teens will internalize feelings of grief. This could lead to depression which is often a precursor of teenage suicide.
Many factors also contribute to the exacerbation of these symptoms. Unfortunately, even social media can do just that. The way South African teens engage with grief on social media often magnifies the negative impact of teenage suicide socially.
The Broader Impact of Teenage Suicide on Family and Community
The impact of teenage suicide on family members can be devastating and long-lasting. Losing a loved one is never easy, and teenage suicide makes this experience even more difficult.
South African families often struggle with the emotional impact of teenage suicide years after the loss. They’re understandably devastated and usually experience long-term psychological effects. This affects both parents and siblings. They struggle with guilt, blame, and fractured family bonds.
We can’t ignore the impact of teenage suicide on siblings, especially those in the same age range who have basically done life together. In addition, many parents struggle to explain this situation to younger children, creating another problem for the grieving parent.
Economic Impact of Teenage Suicide on the Household
The negative impact of teenage suicide economically includes unexpected medical bills and funeral costs. Expenses might also include therapy and mental health support for surviving family members. In low-income South African households, this can destabilize already fragile financial systems.
Negative Impact of Teenage Suicide on the Community
Communities are greatly impacted by teenage suicide. There’s a collective sadness in the form of grief and reduced morale. It’s a widespread feeling that has an impact on the mental and emotional health of members of the community.
The negative impact of teenage suicide on economy is seen in how this loss affects the entire community. It’s also seen in the cost of public services, such as healthcare, education, and police response. The community is also responsible for school-wide grief interventions which disrupts academic activities.
Teenage suicide affects the collective mental well-being of every member of the community. There is a dramatic shift in the emotional and psychological environment in communities after such an incident. This is the impact of teenage suicide on the environment or human health.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Teenage Suicide in South Africa
We cannot discuss the impact of teenage suicide without discussing what leads to this terrible loss in the first place. Suicide rates in South Africa are on the rise, but why?
Let’s take a look at some of the factors that contribute to this tragedy:
- Peer Pressure and Drug Abuse: These two factors can greatly increase the risk of suicide. The peer pressure to drug addiction to teen suicide pipeline is more common than most people realize. And this is why it’s so important for us to teach our teens how to resist peer pressure.
- Family Dysfunction: An unstable family environment can lead to depression with suicidal thoughts which can lead to teenage suicide.
- Bullying: Cyberbullying and physical bullying both contribute to the rise in teenage suicide.
- Academic Pressure: The pressure to perform well academically often creates anxiety in teens and makes them consider suicide.
- Peer Isolation: Being isolated from their friend group leaves teens feeling unloved and unworthy. Thoughts like this can lead to lasting mental health struggles.
- Limited Access to Mental Health Resources: This also contributes to teenage suicide in South Africa. A study done in 2007 revealed that 72% of South Africans with mental disorders do not receive adequate treatment. Thankfully, there are free South African suicide helplines that offer confidential help.
Warning Signs Every Teen and Parent Should Know
Long after the loss of a loved one, many family members and friends begin to remember the signs that they had seen but didn’t think much of. This could be a refusal to engage in family activities, withdrawal from friend groups, or constant mood swings.
It is unfortunate that this only became clear in hindsight. Recognizing the warning signs can help prevent the devastating impact of teenage suicide. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends or hobbies
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Talking or joking about death or suicide
- Giving away personal belongings
- Self-destructive behaviour
- Change in eating or sleeping patterns
- Extreme mood swings
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of teenage suicide in South Africa?
The main causes include peer pressure, bullying, family dysfunction, drug abuse, academic stress, peer isolation, and limited access to mental health resources.
How does teenage suicide affect families and communities?
Teenage suicide leaves families devastated with long-term emotional, psychological, and sometimes financial struggles. Communities also feel the impact through collective grief, disrupted school environments, and increased demand for mental health and public services.
What warning signs of teenage suicide should parents and peers look out for?
Warning signs include sudden withdrawal from friends, mood swings, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, substance abuse, giving away personal belongings, or talking about death and suicide.
Empowerment Through Awareness and Action
The ripple effect of teenage suicide is real, but it can be a wave of healing too. With proper education and support, we can reduce the impact of teenage suicide and spread comfort to those who need it.
For every South African teen who needs someone to talk to, ADS always has a listening ear waiting for you. Our counsellors help you work through your emotions and find peace in this difficult time.
